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March 2018 in Turkish archaeology

Göbeklitepe

The major headlines in March 2018 belonged to Göbeklitepe, the archaeological site situated in southeastern Turkey, now awaiting the inscritpion onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. Moreover, Seljuk-era inscriptions were rediscovered in Antalya, Perge theatre was opened to the public, and the restoration of Panagia Phaneromeni Church in Ayvalık was completed.

Turkish Archaeological News collects the most important, interesting and inspiring news from Turkish excavation sites. Here's the review for March 2018. Have we missed anything? Let us know by using Contact tab!

The construction of an andesite quarry in Turkey’s Black Sea province of Ordu has gone ahead despite a court ruling in 2011 that said the area’s historical value made the site inappropriate for such works. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

The walls of the ancient city of Termessos, which Alexander the Great besieged in 333 but failed to conquer due to its strong walls and powerful defenses, are being restored. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

The Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV) has launched a campaign calling for the return of eight artifacts smuggled abroad out of Antalya. As part of the project, an exhibition featuring the photos of these artifacts will open at the Antalya Airport International Arrivals Terminal. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

A recreation area, formed around the Hittite Dam, known as the first dam in Anatolia at the present-day province of Çorum’s Alacahöyük site, will open to visitors this year. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

A mosaic unearthed nine years ago during archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Perre in the eastern province of Adıyaman is set to become a feast for the eyes of visitors. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Istanbul’s former seat for Ottoman sultans Topkapı Palace has been saved from getting zoned for construction. The decision, made by the Cultural Heritage Conservation High Council, allows the palace to keep its “first-degree” archeological site status following an ongoing debate. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

A medieval map showing the location of the lost tomb of 16th century Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in Hungary has been discovered, a leading researcher said Wednesday, noting that the map will be soon be put up for auction. Source: Daily Sabah

Cleaning work is underway in the largest underground city in the world, which was discovered during the Nevşehir Fortress and Surrounding Urban Transformation Project works in 2014 in the central Anatolian province of Nevşehir. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

An ancient sarcophagus has been discovered in the northern Turkish province of Bartın’s Sipahiler village. Amasra Museum officials said the piece dates back to the Roman era. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Some 176 historical structures, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and Istanbul Archaeology Museums, will continue to defy the years after the works to reinforce them against possible earthquakes. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Experts are warning about careless works around the ancient site of Göbeklitepe, considered the world’s oldest temple area, amid reports that the site is being irreparably damaged by “concrete” and “heavy equipment.” Source: Hürriyet Daily News

A 2,200-year-old theater located in the ancient city of Laodicea in the Eskihisar neighborhood of the western province of Denizli will be restored with the support of the Denizli Metropolitan Municipality. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Some historical artifacts in the theater of the ancient city of Nysa in the western province of Aydın have been taken under protection and have begun being exhibited at the Aydın Archaeology Museum. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Twenty-three years ago, Mahmut Yıldız and his father found stones in Göbeklitepe, an 11,000-year-old site believed to be home to one of the earliest civilizations in the world in southeastern Turkey, while plowing their field. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Together with members of the press, a committee of authorities and experts from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently examined Göbeklitepe, where claims that "the historical structures were damaged" have been floating around. Source: Daily Sabah

An investigation has been opened against two suspects who carried out illegal excavations in İzmir’s Selçuk district and attempted to sell a Roman-era tomb they found during the excavations. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

A 1,700-year-old sarcophagus dating back to the Roman era was seized and two people were detained during an anti-smuggling operation in the Selçuk district of Turkey's western Izmir province. Source: Daily Sabah

Nearly 30,000 rare manuscripts, most of which date back to the Seljuk era, are being kept in the Library of Manuscripts, one of Turkey’s most important libraries in the central Anatolian province of Konya. Source: Hürriyet Daily News

The ancient city of Kaunos, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, takes visitors on a journey going back 3,000 years with its rock tombs, 5,000-person theater, basilica, bath, agora and Temple of Demeter. Source: Hürriyet Daily News